If you have ever run a team of journalists then the following should sound familiar:
- They know their worth; that is, that their skills are not easily replicated.
- They ask difficult questions.
- They are organisationally savvy.
- They are not impressed by corporate hierarchy.
- They expect instant access to decision-makers.
- They are well connected outside of their organisations.
- Their passion is for what they do, not who they work for.
- They don't want to be led ...
- ... and even if you lead them well, they won't thank you.
And, let's be honest, you're probably thinking it applies to you too :)
Gareth Jones (formerly of this parish) and Rob Goffee are two of the most widely respected business academics writing on the subject of management and leadership, and, given Jones' background in the media, their work resonates with media folk in a way that other management gurus' work does not.
Their latest book is called 'Clever' (read an interview about it here) and it looks at how you lead awkward 'clevers' who you have to make room for because they are very good at what they do. For once it is a management book refreshingly free of platitude and politically correct thinking. It should be on the reading list of anyone in a leadership role in the media - and probably their boss, and their boss' boss, and ...
Click here to read the Harvard Business Review edited hightlights of the book.
There is no truth in the rumour that their next book has the working title 'Thickos'.
